Self-directed learning is learning initiated and directed by student. SDL can include self-paced learning, independent learning, individualized learning and self-instruction.

There is convincing evidence that students who take the initiative in learning (proactive learners) learn more things, and learn better, than do students who sit at the feet of teachers passively waiting to be taught (reactive learners). There is another observation that in many learning situations students participating in self-paced learning programs work harder, learn more, and retain more of what is learned.

Computer-mediated learning via the Internet, by its very nature, supports the self-directed learner in pursuing individualized, self-paced learning activities. The student, working at a computer at a convenient time and pace, is able to search and utilize the vast archive and database resources of the Internet and numerous online library catalogs and document delivery systems to research nearly any topic imaginable. A student can visit libraries, museums and various institutes world wide, talk to professionals, access the latest research, and read electronic newspapers and peer reviewed scholarly electronic journals. A student can write collaboratively with peers and even publish written and multimedia products on web pages.
I am open to any suggestions from each individual student or parent, as well as from a group of students, on how to structure a self-directed learnings in our classes. If anybody would like to take an advantage from such exciting opportunity as to "self - direct" your own studies, please send me a message.